Premier League Asian Handicap Previews – Sunday 11th February

Newcastle v Manchester United

Two famous managerial rivals meet again as Newcastle welcome Manchester United to St James’ Park on Sunday.

For so many years, Rafa Benitez and Jose Mourinho clashed as managers of Liverpool and Chelsea respectively, so I expect there to be little love lost between the two when they meet again.

Manchester United sit in second place, but one can’t help but think this season hasn’t been successful, so far. They’re 13 points behind rivals Manchester City, who lead the Premier League, and you can’t see them catching Guardiola’s side. For a side of United’s stature, that’s poor.

For Newcastle, a win here would send a message to their relegation rivals. Benitez will want a performance but will know it will be a big ask for the side sitting in 16th place.

Southampton v Liverpool

The return of Virgil Van Dijk will dominate the headlines as Southampton welcome Liverpool to the South Coast in a clash that will certainly be tense.

The relationship between the clubs over the past year, with the public pursuit of Van Dijk by Liverpool. Southampton held strong but Liverpool finally got their man last month. There will be a feeling of animosity during the game, particularly from Saints fans, but perhaps that could really be aimed at their own club, who frustratingly failed to replace Van Dijk despite earning £75 million.

Questions still remain over Liverpool’s ability to break sides down after the departure of Coutinho, but Jurgen Klopp will have faith in his men at St Mary’s.